SmartCapitalist.com

Finding A Realtor

Monday, February 13, 2006
You may be considering looking for a property on your own, or calling the number for a property you are interested in and talking directly to the realtor. However, you must realize that there are many benefits to using a realtor or a "buying agent" to help you find your first investment property. With proper use, an agent will be able to save you time, money, and from investing in the wrong place.

You will want to find an agent who is experienced with the type of property and the area you are looking for. Just because someone is the best commercial real estate agent in the area does not mean they will be very helpful with your search for a single-family property.

One of the ways to find an agent would be to ask someone you know that just bought a similar property in the area who they used, and whether they were satisfied. The drawback of this is that you may not know anyone looking for a property for the same reasons you do.

Another way to look for a real estate agent in the area is to simply watch the properties that are for sale and see who is selling etc. Then you can call the firm that you think has a very nice presence and ask describe what you are looking for to them. They should be able to get you in contact with a realtor.

Once you get in contact with a realtor, talk to them and ask them questions about their knowledge. See if they know enough about finance and investing to be able to properly help you find a good investment property. You can also ask them about their real estate certifications, some of the applicable certifications are as follows:

• GRI Graduate Realtors Institute


• CRS Certified Residential Specialist


• CRB Certified Residential Broker


• CCIM Certified Commercial Investment Member

One of the most important things to remember is that no matter how good a real estate agent is, if they do not know what you are looking for it is impossible for them to find you a good deal. This is because almost everyone is looking for a slightly different property. The best way to get the most out of your relationship with your agent is to tell them exactly what your looking for and what you consider a good deal. That way they will be able to help you search for what you think is desirable, and not just what they think is a good property,